There are 74.6 million women in the civilian labor force – almost 47 percent of U.S. workers are women. When it comes to education, women are more likely than men to have earned a bachelor’s degree by age 29 (34 percent of women vs. 29 percent of men). Women also own close to 10 million businesses.
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These statistics and others from the U.S. Department of Labor suggest that women have made great strides in the workplace—and they have.
Nevertheless, in 2017, only 6.4 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs are women.
Climbing the Ladder
What does it take for women to get to the top? Mentors and role models help.
Executive coach Carol Seymour, founder of Signature Leaders, a fast-track development and networking program for women on the cusp of senior management, provides women with opportunities to learn from the challenges, missteps, and achievements of women executives in a new book, Wisdom Warriors: Women with the Courage to Be True to Themselves.
The book is based on more than 1,000 interviews with women executives, including several senior human resources leaders.
The women quoted in the book provide insight and advice on the broad themes of authenticity, power, peace, and relationships, all of which figure prominently in career advancement.
Authenticity
Consider this insight on authenticity from Yvette Hill Smith, general manager, global customer support services – C&E at Microsoft: “One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever been given was to find a workplace and a business where I can feel comfortable being who I am. That’s why I have always worked in environments where differences were valued and respected. That core value of respect for the employee is core to who and what I am.”
And this one, from Annemieke van der Werff, chief human resources officer for the Americas for MUFG Union Bank: “Authenticity is probably the most important anchor to hold onto. We’ve all been in places – whether that’s in a role or a situation or even in a company – where that’s more difficult. But that’s where you have to really look at your true self and ask, ‘Does this feel alright?’”
Power
Women often feel pressure to constantly prove themselves. But Anne Hill, SVP and chief human resources officer at Avery Dennison, has a different take: “I don’t ever feel I have to prove why I’m in this job because, come the day that somebody doesn’t think I should be, they’ll fire me.”
Similarly, women tend to be less vocal than men. Marcia Avedon, SVP of human resources, communications & corporate affairs at Ingersoll Rand, says this can be a mistake: “You have times when you have to choose – are you going to be on the sidelines or are you going to let your voice be heard?”
Peace
Making time for self-care is something women in senior leadership positions have learned. Cathy Doherty, SVP & group executive, clinical franchise solutions at Quest Diagnostics, says: “There can only be one calendar. It’s a calendar for life that includes work and life. There’s not two; it’s all one.”
Susan Beat, former managing director of MUFG Union Bank, N.A., learned this by doing too much. She says: “I was on far too many committees, and leaning in too much, thinking it was good for my career. Sometimes you need to lean out.”
Relationships
Good relationships contribute to health and happiness, and are the foundation for business success. Women in senior leadership positions understand the connection. Pam Kimmet, chief human resources officer of Cardinal Health, says: “One of the mistakes I made early in my career was believing that all that mattered was the work I produced. I was naïve and thought that meeting my commitments meant I was a good team member, and that I would be recognized and successful for doing what was asked of me. Don’t get me wrong, knowing your stuff and getting things done is very important to being successful, but I came to learn that what was equally important is to build strong, genuine relationships.”
It’s not easy, especially as you advance in your career, as Sue Liddie, group VP and chief information officer of Avon Products, points out: “The price of poker goes up, the higher you go up the ladder, but a support structure is important no matter where are.”
Learning from Others
Even though it spans only 177 pages, Wisdom Warriors is a large book. It includes wisdom for women at any stage of a career—and men will likely find it valuable as well.
“Every leadership lesson has already been learned by someone,” says Seymour. “Wisdom is knowledge shared.”
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Paula Santonocito, Contributing Editor for Recruiting Daily Advisor, is a business journalist specializing in employment issues. She is the author of more than 1,000 articles on a wide range of human resource and career topics, with an emphasis on recruiting and hiring. Her articles have been featured in many global and domestic publications and information outlets, referenced in academic and legal publications as well as books, and translated into several languages. |